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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team faced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives characterized the past few months as "an incredibly challenging period" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"With steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its present Israeli identity"

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this step is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features five British riders among them multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Canadian-Israeli real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

Initially established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been supported by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions took place, primarily focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the race, the team ceased displaying their complete team name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that caused altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily role and will cease act on the squad's behalf

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

International Response

World cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following United Nations investigation findings that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from international soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on data from the region's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israeli military actions in Gaza since then

Analysis: Corporate Branding Considerations

The choice represents a significant acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as elite sport

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is well known, though not formally assigned

This team began primarily thanks to the owner's passion for cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite communities closer together in parts of the globe distant from its European heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace challenging going at times at the top tier, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business image is everything